A giant menorah and dreidles were among the sights enjoyed by the 70,000 spectators at the Manchester Day Parade as the Jewish community was represented for the first time.

A four metre-high people-powered float was among 96 created by Manchester community groups at the city's second annual parade. Last year, Manchester Jewish Representative Council president Lucille Cohen voiced concern the Jewish community would be forgotten if its contribution to Manchester was not reflected and the council ensured it was part of the 2011 parade.

Designed by local artist Brian Raymond, the float was carried by nine students from Langdon College, the Jewish special needs facility.

Marcus Bean, 19 - who became a human candle for the day with 18-year-old Daryll Hawes - said he was proud to represent the community. Fellow student Shoshi Finn, 21, added: "It's good that other people have a chance to learn about our culture."

Representative council organiser Jeremy Michelson said involvement from Jewish youth groups had been less than hoped for.

But "now people have seen what we've done, we hope next year will be bigger and better".